Preventing Mold-Related Problems in the Indoor Workplace - Seton ...

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Appendix Molds can cause three types of adverse health effects in humans; allergy, infection, and toxin-mediated conditions. These adverse health effects are discussed in more detail below. Allergy Allergic rhinitis Allergic rhinitis has several signs and symptoms. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis include sneezing; itchy eyes, nose, and throat; a stuffy or runny nose; sore throat; cough; watery eyes; headache; and fatigue. These symptoms may be worse in indoor environments and may peak in hot and humid seasons. Common physical findings include red or bloodshot eyes, a runny nose, watery eyes, and thickened nasal mucous membranes. Multiple airborne allergens other than molds (e.g., pollens, animal dander, and dust mites) may be involved. However, when a person is also sensitized to mold, an indoor environment contaminated with mold spores may aggravate the signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis (18). Allergic asthma Allergic asthma is a chronic lung disease that is caused by breathing in substances known to be allergens (sensitizers). Asthma occurs when the airways become inflamed and the surrounding muscles tighten and contract. Asthma causes breathing difficulties by making it harder for air to flow in and out of the lungs. Symptoms of asthma include tightness of the chest, shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing (21). Although a complete patient history and physical exam are the most important methods employed to diagnose asthma, chest X-rays, pulmonary function testing, and immunologic studies occasionally are also used. Exposure to mold clearly plays a role in asthma. Molds produce a large variety of compounds that are potentially allergenic (e.g., proteins). Potency varies among these allergens. The epidemi- 18
ological evidence from well-conducted studies documents the sensitizing potential of mold allergens. Also, well-documented evidence indicates that fungal sensitization is related to asthma (22). Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) HP (or extrinsic allergic alveolitis) refers to a group of allergic lung diseases caused by the inhalation of antigens contained in a wide variety of organic dusts. Antigens are substances that provoke an allergic reaction (i.e., an immune response with the formation of antibodies) when introduced into the body. HP occurs when very small antigenic particles (5 micrometers or less in diameter and invisible to the naked eye) penetrate into the deepest areas of the lungs (the alveoli) and cause inflammation. HP may occur as an acute, subacute, or chronic condition. Symptoms and signs of the acute form may occur 4-6 hours after significant antigen exposure and include chest tightness, difficulty breathing, fever, chills, cough, and muscle aches (5, 23). If exposure to the antigen is repeated frequently, scars can form on the lungs, resulting in a disabling condition known as fibrosis (23, 24). Symptoms and signs associated with the subacute and chronic forms of the disease include cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and weight loss (23). A variety of organic dust sources may cause HP. The causative agents may include bacteria, fungi, animal proteins, insects, and chemicals. The numerous clinical syndromes are generally given names reflecting the circumstances or sources of exposure. For example, farmer’s lung results from exposures to moldy hay, straw, grain, and compost. Pigeon breeder’s or bird-fancier’s disease/lung results from exposures to avian protein in bird dander, feathers, and droppings. Although HP is not commonly reported as a BRI, sources of concern for building owners and managers include molds, bacteria, and other organisms growing in heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems, humidifiers, and waterdamaged buildings. To a lesser extent, HP may be associated with exposure to birds or bird droppings during building cleaning and maintenance activities. 19
Page 1 and 2: www.osha.gov Preventing Mold-Relate
Page 3 and 4: Preventing Mold- Related Problems i
Page 5 and 6: The meaning of mold sampling result
Page 7 and 8: Background In 1994, OSHA published
Page 9 and 10: Common sources of moisture in build
Page 11 and 12: Building-Related Illnesses Health e
Page 13 and 14: growth and the entry of undesired m
Page 15 and 16: Physicians may be certified in the
Page 17 and 18: Mold Control and Remediation The pu
Page 19: International Facility Management A
Page 23 and 24: Toxin-Mediated Conditions Mycotoxin
Page 25 and 26: References 1. U.S. Department of La
Page 27 and 28: 16. Mahoney, D.P. and Spear, J.E. 2
Page 29 and 30: OSHA Assistance OSHA can provide ex
Page 31 and 32: For additional information on VPPs
Page 33 and 34: and other information for employers
Page 36: www.osha.gov

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